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The story of Qu Yuan is the most popular and recognized account of the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival. Qu Yuan was a respected and well-loved patriot, poet, and statesman who lived during the Warring States Period, a turbulent time in China’s history when seven feudal states battled for supremacy. The state of Qin, determined to take over its last major adversary, the state of Chu, offered a truce under the guise of a peace treaty. Qu Yuan advised the king of Chu not to sign any such agreement. Not only did the king sign it but he also banished Qu Yuan for what was perceived as advice from a traitor. Wandering aimlessly and proclaiming his love for the state of Chu, Qu Yuan spent his final years writing what was to become some of China’s greatest poetry. When he learned about the fall of Chu to the enemy state of Qin,3 he clutched a rock to his chest and threw himself into the Miluo River. It was the fifth day of the fifth month in 278 B.C.
When news of his drowning reached the villages, the local fishermen raced out in their boats to try to save their beloved statesman. But it was all to no avail. Beating drums and splashing their paddles on the water, they made every attempt to scare away the fish from eating his body. Dragon boat races are said to re-enact the villagers paddling to Qu Yuan’s rescue.